Africa's richest man turns 60 today! Here are 5 interesting facts about him

folarin okunola

April 10, 2017 2:02 PM

If, for some [strange] reason, you haven’t heard of Aliko Dangote before you should know that he is the richest African in the world.

Founder and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote gestures during an interview with Reuters in his office in Lagos, Nigeria, June 13, 2012. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye/File Photo

Aliko Dangote is one person that doesn’t need any introductions. If you’ve never heard of him, you have most likely come across his cement trucks or use some of the salt made by one of his many companies to cook something delicious.

Still, if, for some [strange] reason, you haven’t heard of Aliko Dangote before you should know that he is the richest African in the world. He has also held that title for the past six years.

Today is his birthday (he turns 60 today), so here are five things you probably never knew about him:

ALSO READ: Aliko Dangote remains Africa's richest man for the sixth year running

Dangote started his business with a non-bank loan. After graduating from

He was awarded Nigeria’s second highest honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, by former President
He started his company, the

Unlike most businessmen, majority of Dangote’s investments are either here in Nigeria, or on the African continent. He has little or no investments outside the continent.
Dangote has publicly said he does not believe in cultural or religious tribalism. His personal assistant is Yoruba, while his Head of Corporate Affairs is a Christian from Delta state.

folarin okunola